briangflores

I'm not getting into a discussion of the pros or cons of Ken Rockwell. I tend to get my information from a variety of sources, including DPReview, PDN Online, etc.

This camera comes with a huge buyer beware. Nikon just released the follow-up to this camera, the D610, with a new shutter release mechanism. The D600 was plagued with complaints about dust and spots on the sensor that required intrusive cleaning to remove (Google D600 dust if you want to read about it in detail). Nikon did eventually acknowledge the issue, although they really did nothing to assuage the feelings of people who bought this.

That said, some people report absolutely no problems with this body. You'll also have a tough time finding a full frame body in this price range. The included lens is your basic kit lens, and it's just OK. You can throw some serious lenses on this body, including some of the older Nikon/Nikkor autofocus models from the film camera days. Those lenses don't have the newer servo-wave motors that most modern Nikon autofocus lenses do (which is the difference between newer AF-S lenses and their older AF counterparts).

McStagger

i own this camera and can assure you its a great one. the oil and dust is an issue but if you just get some cleaning pads, its very very easy to clean the sensor yourself. i've done it twice and dont see a problem doing it again and again until the oil runs out. (there can only be a finite amount right?!?

rh48

McStagger wrote:i own this camera and can assure you its a great one. the oil and dust is an issue but if you just get some cleaning pads, its very very easy to clean the sensor yourself. i've done it twice and dont see a problem doing it again and again until the oil runs out. (there can only be a finite amount right?!?

If I spent $1600 for a camera that I had to continually take apart and clean I would feel taken advantage of. How many good shots were ruined by the dust and oil issue?

kingalias

rh48 wrote:If I spent $1600 for a camera that I had to continually take apart and clean I would feel taken advantage of. How many good shots were ruined by the dust and oil issue?

I have the D600, and I've owned it since Oct 2012.

1) From everyone I've seen who has purchased a refurb (factory), the issue with the shutter has been corrected (which makes sense, b/c the D610 has been corrected). I wouldn't expect any "oil/dust" from these cameras.

2) I didn't notice the issue until I started doing landscape photos against a sky, shooting at f/11 or smaller, and even then I had to force it out in production. Now, with that said, once you see it.... it's gross.

However, I was shooting youth basketball games, photojournalistic, and portrait kinds of images, but mostly at apertures f/5.6 or wider.

3) I bought cleaning solution and sensor swabs for about $50, and haven't had problems since cleaning my sensor (after 6k actuations).

4) If you're going to buy a $1,700 camera - let's be honest, it's a $2,000 worth of camera, BODY ONLY, it's just cheaper b/c of a snafu - then you should know how to clean your sensor. If you don't want to maintain your camera, then buy a camera without a detachable lens.

ronfronberg

1) From everyone I've seen who has purchased a refurb (factory), the issue with the shutter has been corrected (which makes sense, b/c the D610 has been corrected). I wouldn't expect any "oil/dust" from these cameras.

2) I didn't notice the issue until I started doing landscape photos against a sky, shooting at f/11 or smaller, and even then I had to force it out in production. Now, with that said, once you see it.... it's gross.

However, I was shooting youth basketball games, photojournalistic, and portrait kinds of images, but mostly at apertures f/5.6 or wider.

3) I bought cleaning solution and sensor swabs for about $50, and haven't had problems since cleaning my sensor (after 6k actuations).

4) If you're going to buy a $1,700 camera - let's be honest, it's a $2,000 worth of camera, BODY ONLY, it's just cheaper b/c of a snafu - then you should know how to clean your sensor. If you don't want to maintain your camera, then buy a camera without a detachable lens.

space0matic

Nikons lost me after 20+ years as a professional photographer that works at one of the largest corporations on the planet.
How? I bought my Mother-in-law a 'starter' Nikon DSL kit, the D40, from a Costco at a very reasonable price, until I found out that Nikon manufactures sub-par kits such as these exclusively FOR certain chains, and passes them off as the genuine thing.
The lens weren't even the traditional Nikon renowned glass, but they bore the Nikon name on them.
Out of curiosity, I checked other chain stores that sold dirt-cheap Nikons, and the same was true; they just put their name and model number on it as the better product.
No more NIKON for this photographer. I've been ordering Pentax's and Sony's for the corporation for 5 years now with no issues.

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